Advice on getting an AF Hudson

You can't go wrong with a 326. Arguably the pinnacle of AF Hudson production.

It is as FlyerRich says. One thing to be aware of if you get a 326 or any other engine with a built in whistle is they require a pure sine wave transformer for track power. Modern transformers like the ZW-L have a lot of harmonics in the waveform and the speaker in the whistle system will dutifully reproduce these harmonics loudly and continuously.

I have only postwar transformers.

Well it sounds like my research led me the right way. I will start saving my pennies and keep an eye out!

You are in good shape with the postwar transformers. Best of luck finding an excellent 326.

I'd suggest getting a 326 with the large stack motor - the Pul-Mor traction tires will earn their keep that way... 

Nothing further for me to add with regard to 326's being fantastic.  But just a comment on AF air chime whistles such as you will find in a 326. If you are not familiar with them, lower your expectation. They emit a buzz more akin to Lloyd Christmas' most annoying sound in the world. Not being an AF purist, I ripped them out of my 326 and 336 and replaced with a Dallee bell and whistle board.

I watched a video of the whistle being used. It was not what I expected but I am aware of the "noise" they make.

I found a 322 locally but it was a little rough and they wanted $140 which seemed high to me.

@RamblerDon posted:

I watched a video of the whistle being used. It was not what I expected but I am aware of the "noise" they make.

I found a 322 locally but it was a little rough and they wanted $140 which seemed high to me.

That's a little high for a 322 in rough shape.  There is one on ebay for $129 right now that looks in pretty good shape. It likely doesn't run but you can assume any that say 'untested' don't run. Regardless, whatever you buy, you will want to a maintenance overhaul unless you are buying it from one of the pros who get engines in shape before listing.

Also, if you are going 322 instead of 326 just recognize that 322's have the link coupler while 326's have the knuckle coupler.

The 322 engines do not have traction tires which might be important to you. The 322 was made from 1946 through 1948; 1946 and 1947 were smoke in tender designs, 1948 was the newer boiler smoke unit. The number changed to 322AC in 1949, 1950 and 1951. all these engines are link coupler but that can easily be changed. The only link coupler engine with the tender whistle is the 325, these will be more expensive. A 324 was made with a better whistle but it needs a special controller. I would not buy a 324 unless a working controller is included.

I kinda like the link couplers.

This would mainly be a shelf queen for display anyways. I may settle on a 322 as they seem more plentiful.

I also collected link coupler items. There are many link coupler cars on my layout. The 322 is a good choice, there are a lot more of them than 326's. I prefer the 322AC variation but that is mostly personal preference.

@AmFlyer It looks like the heavyweight cars are more plentiful with link couplers also.

I also noticed you can get NYC on the tender for the 322 instead of AF. That is also a weird plus for me.

I was at a parking lot train show today and found this fellow. Cab number is 320 but looks like someone upgraded to smoke and such. I was sold on it since it had the NYC tender. All in all I though $100 was a fair price.

Good find, that is a 1946 engine. It should have two brass buttons under the engine chassis.

Years ago I had a couple of the 322's with the smoke in the tender. Was amazed at the amount of smoke they could generate and were the only locomotives that would raise a plume at rest while passengers were loading!

A Flyer guy at the sale mentioned to me these have impressive smoke units. I will have to track down some coaches now.